Microchipping
What is microchipping?
A microchip is device about the size of a small grain of rice. It contains a unique number that uniquely identifies your tortoise. A qualified vet uses a thin needle to insert the microchip into your tortoise’s limb. A microchip reader can be used to scan over the tortoise’s limb to read the unique microchip number.
Is Microchipping necessary?
By law, all tortoises that are listed under cites annex A are required to be microchipped when they are >60mm* in length IF you want to sell that tortoise or breed from that tortoise (male or female) and sell the offspring.
*length may vary depending on tortoise breed or laws at the time your TSC was issued to you. See tortoise licencing page for more details
Does microchipping hurt the tortoise?
Microchipping is an uncomfortable procedure for your tortoise but within a short time they will be back to their normal selves.
How do I know if my tortoise is microchipped?
A vet can use a microchip scanner to scan your tortoise to see if a microchip has been recognised.
If you buy a tortoise <60mm* in length it will mostly likely NOT be microchipped, so you will need to arrange for a qualified vet (experienced in microchipping tortoises) to do this for you, if required by law.
All of my Indian Star and Mediterranean spur-thighed tortoises over 60mm* (at time of sale) will have been microchipped for you.
How long do microchips last?
Once a tortoise is microchipped it should last a lifetime.
However, there have been cases reported that microchips are faulty, have been inserted incorrectly or incision has not been closed correctly and fallen out before incision has healed.
Any trip to your vet you can request they scan for the microchip free of charge.
When should I get my tortoise microchipped?
You will need to get your tortoise microchipped when they are:
>60mm* in length
AND are on the Cites Appendix A list
AND you want to sell OR breed from that tortoise and sell the offspring.
What do I need to do with the microchip number?
If your tortoise wasn’t microchipped by your vet, then I’d recommend letting your vet know your tortoise’s microchip number so they can update their records (sometimes lost or stolen tortoises are handed into local vets and they can be then traced back to you and returned).
I also recommend you register your tortoise with petlog as this is the UK’s largest database for microchipped pets, so if your tortoise was lost or stolen it can easily be traced back to you and returned.
How much does it cost to microchip a tortoise in the UK?
The cost of microchipping a tortoise will vary depending on the size of microchip used and the cost your vet charges for the procedure.
If I move house, do I need to update the microchip information relating to my tortoise?
If you move address it is advisable to update Wildlife Licencing on 0300 020 0301 (or via email) as well as your vets, pet insurance company and any microchipping organisation you have registered your tortoise with e.g. petlog
Microchipping here at HappyTortoises
If you buy a tortoise >60mm* in length (at time of sale) from HappyTortoises it will already have been microchipped for you and you will receive the legal paperwork including microchipping number, so no need to worry about that.